As a sophomore at Sto-Rox High School in McKees Rocks, Pa., Deaysean Rippy recorded 77 tackles and seven sacks to lead the Vikings to a 8-3 season.

This past fall, the junior 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker/wide receiver was an even bigger part of the team as he caught 20 passes for 530 yards and eight touchdowns and had about 80 tackles, nine sacks, three interceptions and forced four fumbles.

"I had a great year," Rippy said. "I was first team all-conference at wide receiver and linebacker and I was Defensive Player of the Year," Rippy said. "I was also a sophomore and junior all-American, so it was great."

Rippy's two-year performance hasn't gone unnoticed.

Several college coaches from around the country already have extended a verbal scholarship offer to Rippy and more could be on the way based on the amount of interest he has received.

"Most of them are the same," Rippy said. "There's Florida, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Syracuse, Pitt, LSU, Alabama and USC and a couple schools with high interest are Arkansas, Virginia; pretty much everyone."

Rippy said most schools like him as a linebacker but he could also play safety.

"I'll play wherever they need me," he said.

During the fall season Rippy visited Florida, Ohio State, Syracuse, Penn State and Maryland. He said two schools really stuck out.

"Florida and Ohio State were real nice," he said. "I know a couple of players from both places and the campus was lovely."

Rippy was in Columbus for the Ohio State-Miami game, which turned out to be a bit of a Homecoming for the junior standout.

"What a great place, and I know all of them guys personally from Pennsylvania," he said. "I know Jordan Hall, (Terrelle Pryror), Corey Brown and Dorian Bell. I catch up with them once in a while."

It's early in the process, but it's those two schools that remain near the top of Rippy's early list of favorites.

"I kind of (have favorites), but not really," he said. "The two schools that I am favoring is Florida and Ohio State."